ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports this Friday that the Royals and Washington Nationals discussed a trade involving shortstop C.J. Abrams and pitcher MacKenzie Gore. Passan noted that a deal is not close, but it does show the Royals’ efforts to improve their roster.
Acquiring Abrams and Gore would be an interesting pivot for the Royals. Abrams posted a solid .257/.315/.433 batting line with 19 home runs and 35 doubles, while stealing 31 bases. Gore was a slightly below-average pitcher in 2025 (98 ERA+ – league average is 100), with a 4.17 ERA and 1.353 WHiP over his 159.2 innings, striking out 185 batters with 64 walks.
MacKenzie Gore and CJ Abrams could lead to other moves for the Kansas City Royals
Neither Abrams nor Gore appear to be an easy fit on the Royals roster. Bobby Witt Jr. has entrenched himself in short order, a position Abrams has played exclusively since the start of the 2022 season. Likewise, the Royals have a surplus of starting pitching, making Gore an unlikely trade target.
However, Abrams and Gore could lead to other transactions. The Royals view improving the outfield as a priority, with general manager JJ Picollo referring to the possibility of a multi-team trade. Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran is a known target for the Royals, making a three-team deal involving the Nationals possible.
Abrams could also fill another hole for the Royals. It is expected that he will eventually be transferred to another position, as he has been mediocre at best defensive short. Abrams made 13 appearances at second for the Padres in 2021, giving him some familiarity with the position. However, this solution could make incumbent second baseman Jonathan India an expensive bench option.
Gore, meanwhile, could help minimize the impact of the Royals trading one of their young starters. If the Royals want to acquire Duran, they may have to send one of the pitchers, such as Cole Ragans and Noah Cameron, to Boston. While Gore doesn’t have a proven track record of success, his fly-ball tendencies could come in handy at Kauffman Stadium.
The Kansas City Royals are reportedly interested in CJ Abrams and MacKenzie Gore. Each transaction can be the start of a series of steps to improve the selection.
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